Turnover at Kilkenny Design jumps 12% to €36.33m

Kilkenny has 20 retail outlets nationwide and employs more than 240 people

Kilkenny Design chief executive Evelyn Moynihan. Kilkenny Design has reported group turnover up by 12.9% to €36.33m. Picture: Alison Miles /OSM PHOTO

Irish fashion, craft, and design group Kilkenny Design has reported group turnover up by 12.9% to €36.33m, from €32.17m in the previous financial year.

Kilkenny's financials for the year ended January 25, 2026, showed a significant increase in operating profit, rising by almost 29% to €1.73m from €1.34m a year earlier. Profit after tax, dividends, and exceptional items stood at €1.23m.

"These results demonstrate the strength and resilience of the business, with continued growth in both turnover and profitability. Importantly, we are achieving that growth while continuing to invest in the areas we believe will shape the future of Kilkenny Design," said chief executive Evelyn Moynihan.

Kilkenny has 20 retail outlets nationwide, and extensive online operations. The average number of employees at Kilkenny increasing by 12% to 241 over the year, from 222 in 2024. The group ended the financial year with €4.07m in cash and cash equivalents, up from €3m a year earlier.

Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Design (left) and Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Monaghan, pictured together at the launch of the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

During the year, Kilkenny Design launched its New Irish Energy campaign and the inaugural Kilkenny Design Makers’ Academy, developed in partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices. "Our commitment to Irish design and craftsmanship remains at the heart of the business.  Through initiatives such as the Makers’ Academy, we want to help identify and develop the next generation of Irish creative businesses, giving emerging makers access to practical commercial expertise, new customers, and opportunities to grow," said Ms Moynhan. "At the same time, we are investing in technology, automation, and our people to make the business more efficient, agile, and responsive to our customers. That combination of commercial discipline, innovation, and continued investment in Irish creativity gives us a strong platform for the next phase of growth."

The first Kilkenny store opened in Kilkenny City in 1965, with a second store followed on Nassau Street in Dublin in 1976. The Nassau Street remains the group's flagship store. In 1999, Marian O’Gorman - daughter of Blarney Woollen Mills founder Christy Kelleher - and her family took over Kilkenny. Ms O'Gorman stepped into the role of chairperson in 2021, with Ms Moynihan taking over as chief executive.

Looking ahead, Kilkenny Design said it plans to continue investing across customer engagement, digital capabilities, automation, artificial intelligence, operational efficiency, and strategic growth opportunities.